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CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- An international brain tumor research study co-authored by Charlotte neurosurgeon, Anthony Asher, MD, FACS, of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates was selected for publication in the July 26, 2016 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2536637

"Publication in JAMA is a true honor and really shines a spotlight on the important cancer research that is emanating from Charlotte," said Dr. Asher. View a video of Dr. Asher at http://cnsa.com/jama2016.

As the co-principal investigator and senior author of the manuscript featured in the July issue of JAMA, Dr. Asher recently presented the study research findings at the 2016 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, where he earned the Leksell Radiosurgery Award for his research.

About The Study
This research trial originated in Charlotte over a decade ago. The original study protocol was co-developed by Dr. Asher and radiation oncologist Stuart Burri, MD (Southeast Radiation Oncology Group, Charlotte, NC). This international, multi-institutional, randomized cancer study ultimately showed that whole brain radiation therapy caused significant memory and information processing problems in patients, without improving survival rates. The study specifically compared the effects of treating patients with a combination of whole brain radiation and focused radiation, versus treating patients with focused radiation alone. Dr. Asher served as co-principal investigator of this study along with Paul Brown, MD, of the Mayo Clinic Health System. Other physicians and medical facilities throughout the US and Canada were also involved with the study.

"This study provides definitive evidence that patients with one to three brain metastases should no longer receive routine whole brain radiation therapy, and should be treated with focused therapy alone to better preserve cognitive function and quality of life. The results from this clinical trial will spark a renewed emphasis on focused therapies, like radiosurgery, for these conditions."

About Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates was established in 1940 and is the largest neurosurgery practice in the country. The group includes 35 neurosurgeons and nine physiatrists with 10 offices in the Charlotte and Greensboro areas. Over the past 15 years, the practice has participated in over 60 clinical trials related to spine, brain and vascular disorders.  To learn more about Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, go to www.cnsa.com or call 704-376-1605.

SOURCE Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates